Global Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to WHO with US$170 Million Pledged at 2025 Meeting
At the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva, global leaders pledged at least US$170 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) during a high-level event. This commitment marks a significant step in securing sustainable funding for the organization’s global health initiatives.
Key Financial Commitments
Leaders from around the world, including Angola, Cambodia, China, Gabon, Mongolia, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, and several philanthropic partners, contributed to the WHO’s Investment Round (IR). These pledges, totaling over US$170 million, will support the organization’s base budget from 2025 to 2028.
Among the key contributors were the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, which added US$13 million to its support, and the ELMA Vaccines and Immunization Foundation, which pledged US$2 million. Additionally, the Nippon Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation made notable contributions, with the latter committing US$57 million.
Strategic Importance of Funding
The IR is critical for implementing the WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work, which aims to save an additional 40 million lives over the next four years. The funding will help the organization respond to rising global health challenges, including pandemic preparedness, vaccine distribution, and health system strengthening.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the importance of these contributions. He stated, “I am grateful to every Member State and partner that has pledged towards the investment round. In a challenging climate for global health, these funds will help us to preserve and extend our life-saving work.”
Partnership and Global Solidarity
Both longstanding allies and new contributors stepped up to support the WHO. The event, moderated by Mr. Moazzam Malik of Save the Children UK, highlighted the importance of international collaboration. The contributions from donors like Sweden, Switzerland, and Tanzania demonstrate a broad and diverse financial base for the organization.
Individuals also played a role through the One World Movement, with nearly 8,000 people from around the world signing on as ‘Member Citizens’ and contributing over US$600,000. This global solidarity underscores the importance of public engagement in health initiatives.
Future of WHO’s Funding
As the IR continues, the event was a pivotal moment in WHO’s journey toward more sustainable funding. The contributions made today represent a significant step forward in ensuring the organization can continue its vital work globally.
These financial commitments reflect the importance of partnership in times of uncertainty. Each contribution to WHO brings the organization one step closer to better health for all, united in the mission of “One World for Health.”